Bacterial crack sealing and surface finish application to concrete

This paper investigates the sealing and healing properties micro-induced calcite precipitation with regard to improving concrete finish, sealing cracks and cementing loose surface particles together. Sporosarcina pasteurii has been used to effectively precipitate calcium carbonate in order to seal porous media. The bacteria are fed a nutrient broth mix to create conditions where MICP can be effectively used. The tests carried out, assessed the effect of MICP on a sample of twenty-four concrete cubes and to what extent the surface has been consolidated. The use of an Alicona 4G infinite focus scanner provided comprehensive analysis of how the sample cubes’ topography had been altered following the treatment. In addition, three fibre reinforced concrete beams were micro-cracked to evaluate t S. pasteurii’s ability to seal cracks that are common in concrete structures globally. Calcite deposits were observed to be effective at sealing cracks and consolidating the surface finish of the concrete. The treatment is an organic remedial method that has industrial applications.